Hospice Foundation of America
Hospice
It’s Something More
Hospice care provides expert symptom management, comfort, and dignity to patients and cares for family members, too. HFA supports individuals and families facing life-limiting illness, educates hospice and grief professionals, and conducts programs and research to improve care and empower informed medical decision making. We can help you understand when and how hospice can help.
Who we serve
Education for patients, families, and professionals
By educating families and hospice professionals, HFA fulfills the dual goals of increasing awareness, use, and access to hospice care while also improving bedside care and bereavement support.
When is it time for hospice care?
Hospice care is medical care focused on the patient’s quality of life when curative options have been exhausted. It is most beneficial when care begins early, even months before death is expected.
Treatment is no longer effective or desired
Medical treatments are unsuccessful or have become too debilitating, and life expectancy is six months or less.
Health has declined significantly
Pain or other symptoms have increased, there is substantial weight loss, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, or weakness.
Quality of life is now the primary focus
Being comfortable in familiar surroundings with family, friends, pets, and belongings is the goal.
If you think it may be time for hospice, start here.
If you’re not sure, browse the information below or ask a hospice expert.
Hospice & Grief Info
What is hospice?
Hospice provides something more for patients when a cure is not an option. It is a medical care model focused on comfort. Hospice care aims to manage the patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life. It provides support for family caregivers, too. Understanding what hospice is — and isn’t — can help patients and…
What is grief?
Grief is a reaction to loss, and like a fingerprint, it is different for everyone. Many factors influence how you experience and express grief, including your relationship to the person who died, the circumstances of the death, and your culture and spirituality. Grief is not always about the death of someone you love. You may…
Hospice caregiving
The hospice model of care depends on caregivers — either hired professionals or family members and friends — to meet the day-to-day needs of patients. This is especially true when hospice care is provided at a private residence rather than a nursing home or other facility. Many people consider it a duty, a calling, or…
Supporting HFA
Thank you to our many donors, members, sponsors, experts, and partners. HFA’s 42-year impact on end-of-life care would not be possible without your generous, ongoing support.
It is only through the highly valued investment of time, funding, and talents of our supporters and collaborators that we continue to improve the quality of end-of-life care that patients and their families receive.
Ways to give
Online, call, text, planned and workplace giving, and more.
Make a donation
Your gift to our 501(c)(3) organization is tax deductible and makes a difference.
Our thanks
We appreciate the many corporate donors who generously support hospice care.
Continuing education programs and more for end-of-life care professionals
HFA’s expert-led programs, books, and Living with Grief® series help you improve the care you provide and enhance your bereavement support. Our Journeys newsletter gives families expert grief support. Whether for yourself, your staff, or the families you serve, HFA offerings and our team of experts will help you achieve professional goals.
